Surname Christans - Meaning and Origin
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Christans: What does the surname Christans mean?
The last name Christans is an occupational surname derived from the Old French word ‘cristain(e)', which referred to someone involved in the crafting or working of metals such as gold or iron. This is why a person with the last name ‘Christans’ might be referred to as an armourer or an armorer. The name was carried to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The surname ‘Christans’ was also sometimes used to refer to a Christian as it was closely related to the Latin word ‘christians’, meaning ‘a follower of Christ’. It also had the connotation of a believer in certain principles of the Christian faith. This would suggest that the original bearers of the name ‘Christans’ belonged to the Christian faith at one point in time.
Today, the legacy of the last name ‘Christans’ continues in some parts of England and elsewhere in the form of family mottos, such as the Christans motto ‘Semper Fidelis’, which means ‘Always Faithful’. The surname itself has also experienced a surge in popularity, as seen in the United States in recent decades. All in all, the last name ‘Christans’ is a reflection of its origins in craftsmanship, faithfulness and Christian beliefs.
Order DNA origin analysisChristans: Where does the name Christans come from?
The last name Christians is a common surname today throughout Europe and the United States, mainly found amongst those descended from Northern or Central European ethnicities.
In the U.S., the name can be found in large numbers in states with significant German ancestry, such as Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. In England, the name is common throughout the country, and in Scotland it is present in the Border regions, such as Dumfries and Galloway, and in the North-East, such as Aberdeenshire. The majority of people with Christian as a surname are thought to be of either English, German, Scots-Irish, or Norwegian descent.
Amongst other countries, the surname is quite common in Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Austria, Sweden, France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also found in a number of other areas around the world, especially those with significant European population. In countries such as Portugal, Russia, and the Ukraine, most bearers of this name would be the minority Orthodox Christians, rather than Protestant or Catholic.
Although much about the origin of the last name Christians is not known, it is assumed that the name was derived from the popular given name Christian. This appellation was given to individuals in the Middle Age who exhibited or expressed the character of Jesus Christ.
Variations of the surname Christans
Christians is the common spelling for the surname Christians. Variants of this surname include: Christian, Christin, Christan, Christien, Christyn, Chrisden, Cristan, Cristen, Kristan, Kristin, and Kristyn. It is a patronymic surname, which means it is based on the father's name, with the prefix "Christ" meaning "son of Christ".
The use of various Christian names as the basis for a surname dates back to the middle ages, for example, "Christ-cock" and "Christ-child". We also see this surname among the Huguenots who were Protestant Christians from France, who fled religious conflicts during the 18th Century.
Today, Christians is a popular surname across Europe, the United States, and parts of Asia. It is especially associated with the United Kingdom, where it was the 74th most common surname in 2002.
There are several phrases associated with the surname "Christians", such as "Every man is an island unto himself," which comes from the German proverb, "Every Christian has his own Christ." Similarly, it is thought that the expression "No Easter without Christians," a reference to Easter and the Christian religion, may have its roots in this surname.
Surnames of a similar origin include Christiano, Christis, Christison, Christerson, Christianese, Cristiano, and Cristoffer. It is believed that these surnames may be derivative forms of "Christians" or the names of persons who practiced the Christian faith. The name of the American actor Chris Pratt is an example of this surname.
Famous people with the name Christans
- Max Christiansen: an American born composer and music professor who helped develop the Northwest school of music.
- John Christiansen: a Danish actor primarily known for his roles in the films The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Bridge.
- Soren Christiansen: a former Prime Minister of Denmark as well as Minister of Education and Foreign Affairs.
- Edward Christiansen: a former Governor of The Danish West Indies.
- Paul Christiansen: an American jazz musician, composer and producer from California.
- Karen Christiansen: an American television news anchor and reporter.
- Birgit Christiansen: a Danish artist, sculptor and painter.
- Ole Christiansen: a former professional footballer from Denmark.
- Paul Christian Christiansen: a Danish actor known for roles in Norsemen and Follow the Money.
- Steen Christiansen: a Danish politician and member of the Danish Social Democrats.